Photoluminescence and piezoelectric behaviour of Y<sub>2</sub>Zr<sub>2</sub>O<sub>7</sub> pyrochlore‐based multifunctional materials and the influence of Eu<sup>3+</sup> and Sm<sup>3+</sup>
Esra Öztürk, Erkul Karacaoğlu, Volkan Kalem
Abstract
Abstract Y 2 Zr 2 O 7 ‐doped with Eu 3+ and Sm 3+ phosphors were prepared for the first time as multifunctional smart materials using a solid‐state reaction method at 1400 o C. Thermal behaviour, crystal structure, surface morphology, and elemental analysis were characterized using thermogravimetric (TG) and differential thermal (DTA) analyses, X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope equipped with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (SEM‐EDX). Experimental results revealed that both phosphors have a pyrochlore structure with a cubic crystal system. Photoluminescence properties were also measured and red emission was observed from Y 1.90 Eu 0.10 Zr 2 O 7 and Y 1.90 Sm 0.10 Zr 2 O 7 phosphors. Dielectric constant, loss tangent, piezoelectric charge constant, and Curie temperature of all the samples were determined using an LCR‐meter, d 33 ‐meter, and TG/DTA. Eu doping in Y 2 Zr 2 O 7 resulted in a high dielectric constant (9.61) and low loss tangent (1.67%) values, whereas high piezoelectric charge constant (0.68 pC/N) and high Curie temperature (820°C) could be obtained using Sm‐doped Y 2 Zr 2 O 7 .